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Journalism of Courage
What is popularly perceived as serious cinema is not everybodys cup of tea. It takes more than curiosity to sit through and appreciate the metaphorical import of lets say Andrei Tarkovskys Sacrifice. Or for that matter the historical importance of Theo Angelopoulos Ulysses Gaze. But even the most casual audience wouldnt be able to take a moment to blink when he or she watches Kurosawas 1957 classic,The Seven Samurai, such is the power of the Japanese filmmakers masterful storytelling. Little wonder then that his films have inspired (and continue to inspire) some of the most significant populist cinema of our times Ramesh Sippys Sholay was an interpretation of The Seven Samurai.
To commemorate the birth centenary of this iconic filmmaker who bridged the difficult-to-negotiate gap between art and entertainment with remarkable ease,Shemaroo World Cinema is organizing a three-day Kurosawa film Festival at Nandan III this weekend.
The first film to be screened is Rashomon (1950),his breakthrough film,which through the flashback mode narrates contradictory versions of one particular incident. This is the film that got him worldwide attention and acclaim.
The 1985 film Ran,was Kurosawas most ambitious project. Made with a budget of $ 12 million the film narrates downfall of the once-powerful Ichimonji clan after its patriarch Hidetora decides to give control of his kingdom up to his three sons: Taro,Jiro,and Saburo. What follows is a gut-wrenching tale of lust and betrayal.
Kurosawas last film,Madadayo (1993) was also considered to be his most mellow one. Set in the turbulent year of 1943,when the tide of war shifted against Japan,it tells the story of a retired professor who is forced to renew ties with his former students. This heartwarming film drew curious responses from critics worldwide. Reputed American film critic,Roger Ebert said of the film- This is the kind of film we would all like to make,if we were very old and very serene. There were times when I felt uncannily as if Kurosawa were filming his own graceful decline into the night.
The festival is on at Nandan III from 24th to 26th July,4 pm onwards.
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